UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH POLICY 05-02-14

CATEGORY:        FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
SECTION:         Purchasing
SUBJECT:         Authority for Management of Procurement
EFFECTIVE DATE:  August 4, 2004
PAGE(S):         1

I.   SCOPE

     This policy affirms the authority to establish, maintain and
     ensure compliance of policies and procedures in the acquisition
     and payment of goods and services at the University of
     Pittsburgh.

II.  POLICY

     The Board, through bylaws and resolutions, authorizes certain
     officers and other individuals who are not officers to execute
     and sign contracts and other instruments on behalf of the
     University of Pittsburgh.  These individuals, if authorized to do
     so by the Board, may delegate all or part of such authority to
     any other person or persons in writing.

     The Board also authorizes the delegation of purchasing authority
     through the Vice Chancellor for Budget and Controller to the
     Purchasing Department.  The Purchasing Department establishes and
     maintains policies and procedures for the acquisition and payment
     of goods and services for purposes of ensuring legal and ethical
     business practices and safeguarding University resources through
     a system of internal controls.

     Unless otherwise stated in the Bylaws, Board Resolution(s), or
     official policy, Purchasing Department authority includes, but is
     not limited to, the following for all University units and
     campuses.

     -    Establishing business practices, processes, procedures,
          tools, and specific methods to be used by University units
          and campuses when purchasing and paying for goods and
          services.
  
     -    Overall responsibility for obtaining the best value for
          purchased goods and services at the University of Pittsburgh
          in terms of competitive pricing, quality, excellent service,
          favorable delivery terms, and efficient ordering and payment
          processes.

     -    Delegating specific purchasing authority in writing to
          University units and campuses.  Delegated authority includes
          authorizing specific individuals, requiring appropriate
          training, and establishing dollar limits and limits on the
          types of goods and services that may be purchased without
          Purchasing Department approval.

     -    Responsibility for the management of suppliers, which
          includes supplier access to the University community through
          visits, emails, fax, or any other form of communication.

     -    Monitoring compliance with University purchasing and payment
          policies and procedures.

III. REFERENCES

     Policy 01-03-02, Board of Trustees Authority

     Policy 01-03-03, Execution of Instruments

     University of Pittsburgh Bylaws

     University of Pittsburgh Board Resolutions Authorizing Certain
     Officers and Other Individuals Who Are Not Officers to Execute
     and Sign Various Documents on Behalf of the University of
     Pittsburgh:  February 26, 1991 and February 22, 1996